>> Reading Voluntary Action (RVA)

Every Child Matters

I am writing as the newly appointed Project Director for Education and Children’s Services. I come fully equipped for the task ahead with a brain the size of the planet, a suit of armour and the resilience (and nuisance factor) of a jack in the box.

Over the 6 months of my secondment or until the DECS is appointed, I will be leading a Project Team in developing a 3 year Strategic Action Plan to take the EVERY CHILD MATTERS agenda forward.

So where have we got to so far?

The vision for EVERY CHILD MATTERS in Reading is that by 2008 we will have a single, co-ordinated service for children, young people and their families, which results in improved outcomes in the lives of all children and young people.

We are approaching this by building on our strong partnerships to develop a Children’s Trust, not a legal entity or separate organisation but a partnership of agencies where a relationship of trust and promises to deliver is underpinned by pooled budgets, shared management arrangements and integrated services.

The existing Children and Young Peoples Strategic Partnership Board chaired by Councillor Pete Ruhemann has become the shadow Children’s Trust.

By April 2005 we will have a brand new Directorate of Education and Children’s Services (known as the DECS) at Reading Borough Council. A Project Team chaired by me and including heads of service, Reading Primary Care Trust, Human Resources and Finance across Education and Social Services is leading on preparing the service for the new directorate looking at how we can work together more effectively by pooling our resources and knowledge.

There are not going to be huge structural changes over the next 6 months but the Project Team and the Children and Young People’s Strategic Partnership Board will need to involve you in helping us think through the areas where joining up what we do and how we do it makes sense.

I could describe the challenge before us, as a bit like knitting a jumper without a pattern as there is very little in the way of government guidance or rules to help us on our way. It’s not easy but there are huge opportunities to use our creative energies.

Most people see the value of this change process - it really is about the service users, the patients and the pupils we work with. Our language can get in the way sometimes but please let’s not get too precious about it. We must be prepared to challenge each other about our commitment to working together more effectively and to sharing our best practice, best information, best efforts and goodwill. If you have anything you would like to share, please get in touch with me - ECM@reading.gov.uk.